These historic Olympic sites were chosen for more than just their natural assets.

Atlanta, Georgia

The summer of 1996 brought the summer Olympics to Atlanta, and while the legacy is but a memory, there’s much to see in this southern metropolis. Hit the Varsity, a throwback burger joint started in 1928, for some greasy goodness. The city also offers a famously massive and diverse aquarium, a large zoo and the World of Coca-Cola, where you can taste Coke from around the world. Explore Atlanta’s civil rights roots with a tour of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth home, part of the National Park Service.

Calgary, Alberta Canada

The Calgary Olympic park was the venue of some thrilling events in the 1988 winter Olympics, and visitors can experience many of those same sports today, right in the heart of the city. Acura Tube Park, with 10 lanes 200 meters in length, is the largest snow tube track in western Canada. You can also ski and snowboard in the downhill racing section of the hill, as well as the exciting terrain park. In the summer, enjoy mountain biking, an exhilarating zip line, summer bobsleigh rides, mini golf and a challenge course.

Vancouver, British Columbia Canada

Vancouver hosted the 2010 winter Olympic games, and you can relive the glory by either skiing at nearby Whistler or staying in town to see this chic and trendy city. Filled with Asian influence, Vancouver has a wide variety of excellent ethnic food, street food, cafés and gourmet dining. Couple that with amazing seascapes, a world-class city park and runway label shopping, and you’ve got a recipe for an escape not soon forgotten.

Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe, California

Squaw Valley, adjacent to Lake Tahoe, hosted the winter Olympics in 1960, and it’s no surprise why. Lake Tahoe is equally amazing in summer and winter – the cool, crisp air, mountain vistas and blue water of America’s largest alpine lake beckon to adventure seekers. Consistently voted one of North America’s premier vacation spots, this classic destination that straddles California and Nevada in the Sierra Nevada mountain range delivers recreation at a base of 6,225 feet.

About the Author

About the Author: Pat Barcas serves as staff writer and photographer for RTX Traveler Magazine, based in Asheville, NC. His favorite RTX destinations are on the beach: Orange Beach, Alabama, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. More from this author.

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